The L.A. Times music blog

72 Hours: Brave the dreaded 'Carmageddon' for some music

July 15, 2011 | 11:54
am

Seun Anikulapo Kuti & Egypt 80 @ California Plaza. The youngest son of revolutionary Afrobeat artist Fela Kuti, the twentysomething Seun has taken the reins of his father's powerhouse band and set the controls for the same politically and rhythmically charged realm. On the Brian Eno-produced new album "From Africa With Fury: Rise," Seun and his charges sound both like an extension of Fela's legacy and its next logical progression. Grand Performances at California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Friday at 8 p.m. Free. -- Chris Barton

The Blow & He's My Brother She's My Sister @ the Troubadour. Skepticism can be expected when it comes to He's My Brother She's My Sister, as any band that has a tendency to perform with a tap dancer should be used to being greeted with a roll of the eyes. But a sigh of relief is in order, as the group, led by Lemon Sun's Rob Kolar and his sis Rachel, has been increasingly transcending its vaudeville touches. Backyard-party hooks abound, but an Old West bite gives the folksy pop a welcome sting. As for the Blow, that's essentially the moniker of Khaela Maricich, and she treats electro-pop as performance art. All the feather-light touches are gussied with an approach to songwriting that's borderline conversational and often confessional. She has a tendency to perform in a character, but all the oddities have only one goal in mind: to get the audience dancing. The Troubadour, 9081 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. Friday. Tickets are $14. -- Todd Martens

The Dead Kenny Gs @ Del Monte Speakeasy at the Townhouse. A particularly unhinged and tough to classify blend of jazz and rock from three-quarters of Seattle-based musical pranksters Critters Buggin, this trio's bias against the jazz mainstream is established from the word go. Saxophonist Skerik says the band is the result of "what happens when people listen to Bad Brains and Art Ensemble of Chicago," and based on the results on the band's latest album, "Operation Long Leash," it's really sort of tough to beat that description. Del Monte Speakeasy at the Townhouse, 52 Windward Aven., Venice, Sunday. Admission is $5. -- Chris Barton

Evie Sands @ Viva Cantina. One can fork over far more cash on a number of today's young singer-songwriters, and nary a one will be as enchanting as Evie Sands. So stardom eluded her, but the extensive catalog of the chanteuse has been covered by a variety of greats and hipsters. Head to Wikipedia for the list and make the trek to Burbank's Viva Cantina for Sands' whip-smart, pop-friendly takes on Americana's past and present. Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Drive, Burbank, Sunday. No cover. - Todd Martens